Summary

Description

Chaetomorpha linum is a delicate green seaweed. Also known as spaghetti algae, it grows as a filamentous loosely entangled mass. Usually free-floating, it may also be attached to rocks and shells. The filaments themselves are unbranched and usually between 5 and 30 cm in length. The unattached filaments are wiry, stiff and curled in appearance. It is bright light to dark green in colour.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Found throughout the coasts of British Isles and Ireland.

Global distribution

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Habitat

Chaetomorpha linum is an intertidal and supralittoral species that can be found in groups of hundreds or thousands of individuals in sandy areas, on rocks or around tide pools.

Depth range

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Identifying features

Bright green seaweed up to 30cm long.

Loosely entangled unattached filaments.

Filaments are stiff and curled.

Cylindrical or slightly swollen cells.

Cells up to 0.4 mm in diameter, 0.8 mm in length.

Additional information

Spaghetti algae, though not palatable to many herbivorous species, is popular in reef aquariums for its ability to remove nitrates, assist in buffering pH, uptake carbon dioxide producing oxygen, and assist in balancing trace elements. It also provides hiding spaces for small creatures.

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